For many Las Vegas locals and tourists, the holiday season officially opens with the first visit to Ethel M Chocolates Factory & Cactus Garden. This is the 31st year that Ethel M has held its Annual Holiday Cactus Garden Lights celebration, and it’s a beautiful thing.
Through Jan. 4, starting at 5 p.m. daily, the gardens are lit with about a million lights and adorned with tons of holiday decorations. After scoring a cup of hot cocoa at the outdoor Garden Café and meandering through the paths, photos and visiting with Santa may be in order. (For $35, you’ll get a professional printed photo, and a digital one, too). There is a $3 charge to enter the attraction (fee waived for ages 2 and under and 65 and older), and that benefits local charities HELP of Southern Nevada and Three Square Food Bank. The Garden Café also features Mexican hot chocolate, chocolate-dipped snacks, mocktails and cocktails for sale.
In the retail shop, you can pick up special holiday chocolate collections for gifts; you can also customize a box. You can also book a holiday chocolate tasting, available with wine for the 21-plus crowd, and sample some of those sweet treats. Slots for the tastings fill quickly, so reserve online in advance.
Throughout the season, you’ll find special entertainment nights with movies, karaoke and more (check website for schedules).
2 Cactus Garden Drive, 702.435.2608. ethelm.com
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